HYSTERIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hysteria is a noun that refers to a state of extreme and irrational emotional or psychological disturbance, often marked by uncontrollable laughter or crying, exaggerated or uncontrolled behavior, or a general sense of panic or instability. It describes a condition where individuals experience intense and overwhelming emotions that may significantly impair their ability to think or handle situations logically.
The term "hysteria" is historically derived from the Greek word "hystera," meaning uterus, as ancient physicians believed that this condition was primarily exclusive to women and caused by disturbances in the uterus. However, contemporary understanding recognizes that both men and women can experience hysteria, without any direct association with the uterus.
Hysteria can manifest in various ways, such as sudden outbursts of emotion, uncontrolled bursts of laughter or tears, or even physical symptoms like paralysis, convulsions, or unconsciousness. These symptoms are often disproportionate to the underlying cause or trigger.
Though hysteria is generally recognized as a psychological or psychiatric condition, it can also be culturally driven, present in certain communities or societies where specific beliefs, fears, or social norms contribute to the manifestation of such behavior.
Today, the term "hysteria" is commonly used to describe exaggerated or irrational reactions to events, often involving mass panic or fear. It should be noted that hysteria is a complex phenomenon and its understanding and interpretation have evolved significantly over time, reflecting the progress of medical knowledge and social understanding of mental health.
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A chronic neurosis, or psychoneurosis, characterized by disorders of the will, perversion of the inhibitory powders of consciousness, and partial cessation or exaltation of the individual functions of the brain. It is marked by symptoms of the most varied character, from simple nervous instability and attacks of emotional excitement, with causeless crying or laughing, to convulsions, muscular contractures, vasomotor, trophic, and psychic disorders.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A nervous disease or affection peculiar to women.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of HYSTERIA
The word "hysteria" derives from the ancient Greek term "hystera", meaning "womb". In ancient Greece, the condition was believed to be unique to women and linked to disturbances in the uterus. Consequently, "hysteria" was used to describe a range of symptoms seen as specific to women, including emotional instability, nervousness, and physical symptoms like fainting or convulsions. This understanding persisted for centuries until the medical understanding of the condition evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Similar spelling words for HYSTERIA
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